Harbor Park ready for Orioles, despite winter weather

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – Norfolk Tides General Manager Joe Gregory described the last few months as “a tough winter all around.” Snow, freezing rain, and cold temperatures pounded the Hampton Roads area on a number of occasions, and Harbor Park in Norfolk certainly felt the brunt.

Then again, Gregory was reminded it could be worse. “I was talking with the team Akron, and they still have snow on the field,” said Gregory. But Spring is officially here, and after a long harsh winter in Norfolk, it’s just about time to play baseball.

Final preparations are being made to welcome the Baltimore Orioles to Harbor Park for just the second time since the Tides became an affiliate. Aside from the field’s Bermuda grass not growing in as quickly as it would with warmer temperatures, the field is in decent shape and ready for play.

“Aesthetically, it’s not going to look as good as we’d like it to look, but as far as play-ability, I think it’s going to be great,” said head groundskeeper Kenny Magner. Weather or not the weather will cooperate on Saturday is still up the air, with rain possible in the forecast.